Breast Reduction Surgery in Jacksonville

Advanced Breast Reduction in Jacksonville by Dr. Lewis J. Obi

Breast Reduction Surgery at Obi Plastic Surgery

Surgical Techniques that will allow you to experience smaller more proportional and natural breasts with less bruising and less scaring.

Considering Breast Reduction Surgery?

Below we have prepared detailed information about breast reduction surgery in Jacksonville at Obi Plastic Surgery. The procedure is explained in detail along with the advanced techniques used by Dr. Obi. We hope you find these details informative and helpful. And thank you for visiting us online.

There are few if any local and national plastic surgery centers that are equipped to provide this level of experience and advanced technology to assure that your breast reduction surgery results are everything you expected and more!

Women with very large, pendulous breasts often experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight of large breasts. In addition to psychological trauma, physical symptoms include back and neck pain, skin fold irritation, skeletal deformities, physical limitations and even breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations over the shoulders, and unusually large breasts can also cause a woman or a teenage girl to feel extremely self-conscious.

Breast Reduction surgery, clinically known as “reduction mammaplasty” is a surgical procedure for such circumstances. This procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts thereby reducing the size, weight and thereby increasing “perkiness” of the breasts. It can also reduce the size of the areola, (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). The goals of breast reduction is to allow a woman to experience smaller, more shapely, more symmetrical and attractive breasts that are proportionate to the rest of her body. If you’re considering breast reduction, the information below was created to provide you with a general understanding of the procedure and when it can help, how it is performed, and what results patients should expect. It is not specific for all patients as every patient is unique and may benefit from the variety of advanced techniques you will read more about below. Hopefully, it will answer many of your questions prior to your consultation. Free 3D imaging with our sophisticated Vectra XT six camera system will provide you with visual results prior to surgery.

The Best Candidates for Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief rather than for cosmetic reasons. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort.

In most cases, breast reduction isn’t performed until a woman’s breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort. The best candidates are those who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed.

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk

Breast reduction is not a simple operation, but it’s normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection, or reaction to the anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around their nipples after surgery; these can be treated with antibiotic creams. You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr. Obi’s advice both before and after surgery.

The procedure does leave noticeable, permanent scars, although they’ll be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.) The procedure can also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. Future breast-feeding may not be possible, since the surgery removes many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples.

Some patients may experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or breasts. Rarely, the nipple and areola may lose their blood supply and the tissue will die. (The nipple and areola can usually be rebuilt, however, using skin grafts from elsewhere on the body.)

Planning Your Breast Reduction Surgery

In your initial consultation, it’s important to discuss your expectations frankly with Dr. Obi, and to listen to his opinion. Every patient-and every physician, as well-has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts.

Dr. Obi will examine and measure your breasts, and will probably photograph them for reference during surgery and afterwards. (The photographs may also be used in the processing of your insurance coverage.) He will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure-such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin. You should also discuss where the nipple and areola will be positioned; they’ll be moved higher during the procedure, and should be approximately even with the crease beneath your breasts.

Dr. Obi will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the scarring that will result. He will also explain the anesthesia he will use, the facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs. (Some insurance companies will pay for breast reduction if it’s medically necessary; however, they may require that a certain amount of breast tissue be removed. Check your policy, and have Dr. Obi to write a “predetermination letter if required.)

Preparing for Your Breast Reduction Surgery

Dr. Obi may require you to have a mammogram (breast x-ray) before surgery. You’ll also get specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Dr. Obi may also suggest that you diet before the operation.

Breast reduction doesn’t usually require a blood transfusion. However, if a large amount of breast tissue will be removed, Dr. Obi may advise you to have a unit of blood drawn ahead of time. That way, if a transfusion should be needed, your own blood can be used.

While you’re making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.

Where Your Breast Reduction Surgery Will be Performed

Breast reduction surgery is performed by Dr. Obi and his surgical team at the Samuel Wells SurgiCenter®, our on-site state licensed Ambulatory Surgery Center. Breast reduction surgery usually takes two to four hours, but may take longer in some cases. You will recover after surgery in one of our private recovery rooms with immediate family and our nursing staff. As this is an out-patient procedure, you will be released after Dr. Obi is completely comfortable that you are no longer under the influence of the anesthesia and can safely move and travel.

Anesthesia

Breast reduction surgery is almost always performed under general anesthesia administered by a licensed anesthesiologist. You will be asleep through the entire procedure.

Surgical Techniques and How Breast Reduction Surgery Is Performed

Techniques for breast reduction vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision that circles the areola, extends downward, and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. Dr. Obi removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and moves the nipple and areola into their new position. He then brings the skin from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour of the breast. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the armpit area.

In most cases, the nipples remain attached to their blood vessels and nerves. However, if the breasts are very large or pendulous, the nipples and areolas may have to be completely removed and grafted into a higher position. (This will result in a loss of sensation in the nipple and areolar tissue.)

Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast. In some cases, techniques can be used that eliminate the vertical part of the scar. And occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars.

After Your Breast Reduction Surgery

After surgery, you’ll be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. A small tube may be placed in each breast to drain off blood and fluids for the first day or two.

You may feel some pain for the first couple of days-especially when you move around or cough-and some discomfort for a week or more. Dr. Obi will prescribe medication to lessen the pain.

The bandages will be removed a day or two after surgery, though you’ll continue wearing the surgical bra around the clock for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising subside. Your stitches will be removed in one to three weeks.

If your breast skin is very dry following surgery, you can apply a moisturizer several times a day, but be sure to keep the suture area dry.

Your first menstruation following surgery may cause your breasts to swell and hurt. You may also experience random, shooting pains for a few months. You can expect some loss of feeling in your nipples and breast skin, caused by the swelling after surgery. This usually fades over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally it may be permanent.

Getting Back to Normal

Although you may be up and about in a day or two, your breasts may still ache occasionally for a couple of weeks. You should avoid lifting or pushing anything heavy for three or four weeks.

Dr. Obi will give you detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. Most women can return to work (if it’s not too strenuous) and social activities in about two weeks. But you’ll have much less stamina for several weeks, and should limit your exercises to stretching, bending, and swimming until your energy level returns. You’ll also need a good athletic bra for support.

You may be instructed to avoid sex for a week or more, since sexual arousal can cause your incisions to swell, and to avoid anything but gentle contact with your breasts for about six weeks.

A small amount of fluid draining from your surgical wound, or some crusting, is normal. If you have any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding or severe pain, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Obi’s office.

Your New Look

Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to your hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy.

Dr. Obi will make every effort to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible. Still, it’s important to remember that breast reduction scars are extensive and permanent. They often remain lumpy and red for months, then gradually become less obvious, sometimes eventually fading to thin white lines. Fortunately, the scars can usually be placed so that you can wear even low-cut tops.

Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You’ll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.

However, as much as you may have desired these changes, you’ll need time to adjust to your new image-as will your family and friends. Be patient with yourself, and with them. Keep in mind why you had this surgery, and chances are that, like most women, you’ll be pleased with the results.

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Obi Plastic Surgery is a Jacksonville Plastic Surgery Center and Cosmetic Treatment Med Spa providing patients with the most advanced plastic surgery techniques and Cosmetic Laser Treatments available today. Obi Plastic Surgery is also home to The Samuel Wells Surgical Center; an on-site State Licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center with an excellent record for patient safety.